Community Resources

There are many resources in Alberta that can help you meet your goals and lead a full, active life – whether it’s a sports club, eye health organization, recreational facility or an agency that offers disability benefits to people who are blind or partially sighted. Browse the list below to learn more.​

Publications:

Children’s Resource Kit This publication is designed to be a resource for children and youth with vision loss and their families. Although not a comprehensive listing, this guide highlights many of the services and resources that may be available to Alberta families. The listings in this publication are based on information available from various organizations and are current as of April, 2006.

Community Organizations:

Alberta Society for the Visually Impaired (ASVI), CalgaryandEdmonton:ASVI is actively involved in advocacy efforts with various levels of government, providing educational and social opportunities for families and service providers, and otherwise working together to maximize opportunities for the success of children faced with vision loss, including those with additional needs.

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB):CCB promotes advocacy for people who are blind or have significant vision loss. They hold monthly business meetings as well as social activities including bingo, cribbage, dinners, dances and barbecues.

Champions Career Centre:By working collaboratively with government, companies and local and regional disability organizations, Champions and its partners help individuals with disabilities prepare to find employment, further their education, and fulfil their career goals.

Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary (ILRC):ILRCC is a consumer-controlled, cross-disability, community-based, non-profit organization that is committed to promoting and enabling all persons with disabilities to make informed choices about their lives and to achieve their own level of independence.

Material Resource Unit (MRU):MRU loans alternate format resources (braille, audio, electronic resources and large print), learning kits, student equipment and professional resources to assist Alberta schools in the delivery of an educational program for their ECS - Grade 12 students with significant vision loss. Their newsletter contains information of interest to parents of children with vision loss.

On Site Placement Services:In Edmonton, On Site Placement Services Association exists help individuals maximize their independence by offering a continuum of skill development opportunities.

Paralympic Sports AssociationA variety of sport and recreation activities are provided for participants with vision loss or physical disabilities. For more information, call (780) 439-8687 or info@parasports.netwww.parasports.net

Poverty Reduction CoalitionThis site is designed to help you learn more about poverty reduction efforts in Calgary. It is a valuable resource for up-to-date information, research and local poverty statistics.

The Steadward CentreThe Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement is a disability research centre at the University of Alberta in Edmonton that provides physical activity and sport programs for people with disabilities. Contact Karen Robinson, Acting Program Director, (780) 492-7158 or kl.robinson@ualberta.cawww.steadwardcentre.ualberta.ca

Uveitis: Uveitis Support Canada facilitates access to state-of-the art information in Canada about diagnosis and treatment of ocular inflammatory disease, and is a resource for Canadian patients and physicians. There is a Calgary-based support group for individuals and families affected by uveitis.

Get Together for Goal Ball!Interested in this exciting sport? Contact Carrie at 780-454-3763 for information about upcoming opportunities for young people 14 years of age and older.

Leisure Opportunities for Persons with Special NeedsTo receive a copy of this guide developed by the City of Edmonton or for information about leisure and recreation opportunities, call 780-496-4917.

Paralympic Sports AssociationExciting recreation opportunities exist for young people with disabilities. Call 780-439-8687 for more information.

Learn BrailleIf you are interested in learning contracted braille by correspondence or in-class, contact ASVI at 780-453-8345. For more information, visit www.asviedmonton.org

Bowl with the Edmonton Fantastix!Canadian Council for the Blind invites you to join them Tuesdays 3:00 p.m. at Bonnie Doon Lanes. Contact Wendie Brandle 780-468-7021